The only way Donovan can continue playing for LA Galaxy has been revealed

Landon Donovan shocked the footballing world with his announcement to come out of retirement and return to the LA Galaxy in a time of need. As many foresaw, Donovan is seemingly not ready to hang up his boots for a second time.

But what does the possible return to the side mean for the LA Galaxy, going forward?

Landon Donovan hinted over the weekend at a prolonged stay in MLS and evading retirement for a second time. While discussing the possibility of return with the ginger bastard, Alexi Lalas, and the rest of the FoxSports cronies, he said:

I have enjoyed it a lot. It’s been challenging, its been harder than I thought. I dunno, as an athlete, you think you’re great and you think you can step right in, but it makes you realize how fit all these guys are, how much they practice, how good they are at what they do, so taking a few years off is tough, but I think if it keeps going well and keeps progressing, we can consider next year.

Landon Donovan

Say Captain America decides to keep playing, the LA Galaxy would not use a Designated Player slot meaning he would be making something around $457,500 for the season.

Donovan's rental fee, say folks familiar with the contract, is $457,500 — MLS max for a non-DP — pro-rated for rest of year. So $152,500

With that being said, the Galaxy are left with one open DP slot- depending on what Steven Gerrard decides to do with six months left on his initial 18-month contract. The more the injuries pile up for Stevie G, the more likely it is that LA will be left with a DP slot to fill.

Greatest moments of Donovan’s career:

Bayer Leverkusen

Donovan signed a six-year deal with Bayer Leverkusen in 1999 but never really felt at home in Germany. He was granted extended leaves of absence to train with the USMNT.
Source: Taringa.net

San Jose Earthquakes

Donovan was loaned to the Earthquakes for the 2001 season. He led the quakes to MLS Cups in '01 and '03.
Source: Flickr

Best Young Player 2002 World Cup

Donovan was named the Best Young Player at the 2002 World Cup, after scoring against Poland in the group stage and again against Mexico in the round of 16.
Source: nbcuniverso.com

Donovan & Beckham

Donovan signed with the Galaxy after requesting a transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in 2005. Two years later, David Beckham arrived, laying the foundations for what MLS is today.
Source: LA Times

Bayern Munich

Donovan was loaned to Bayern Munich in late 2008. Despite playing well, Bayern declined to extend his loan.
Source: Twitter

2010 World Cup Winner

Donovan's last-minute goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup is arguably the greatest moment of his career. It sealed a historic first place finish in the group stage for the USMNT.
Source: Flickr

MLS Cup MVP

Donovan led the LA Galaxy to another MLS Cup victory in 2011 and was named MLS Cup MVP after scoring the game winner in the 72nd minute.
Source: Flickr

Everton

Donovan was loaned to Everton for a second time in 2012 (the first being in 2010). His name is good money in Merseyside to this day.
Source: Flickr

Retirement

After an illustrious career, Donovan decided to hang up the boots after the 2014 MLS season.
Source: Flickr

Unretirement

In September 2016, two years after stepping away from the game, Donovan came out of retirement to help his Galaxy make a playoff push.
Source: Twitter

Greatness

Yes, the Galaxy is one of the wealthiest teams in the league, but a salary like Donovan’s has to cut into the amount that can be given to other Designated Players coming into the side. LA doesn’t settle for second and a big name signing will have to put into the side to keep the fans happy.

Donovan is a good player and seems to be finding his feet again after his brief hiatus, but is keeping him around for so much money worth it?

A restructured deal would see both parties find a happy medium allowing Donovan to keep playing and opening up salary cap space to bring in quality players that might not be of the Designated Player caliber. Plus, the ability to have the knowledge of Landon Donovan around younger players at the club will only be beneficial for all.